The already restrictive Washington, D.C., Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA), extending 30 nautical miles from the DCA VOR, will be more tightly controlled on Jan. 21 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time during the second inauguration of President Barack Obama.

VFR operations will be prohibited entirely, including traffic pattern flights, during the duration of the TFR. Exclusions and modifications of the SFRA designed to ease access to a variety of airports will be suspended during the TFR.

A number of private aircraft are expected to take advantage of the narrow limits, particularly those bringing VIPs to Dulles. The Washington Post reports airport officials may close a runway at Dulles for parking, with a heavy influx of private aircraft expected.

Jim Moore

Editor-Web

Editor-Web Jim Moore joined AOPA in 2011 and is an instrument-rated private pilot who enjoys competition aerobatics.